The East-West Gateway Council of Governments

Create Meaningful Engagement Opportunities That Are Accessible to Everyone

A Note from the Executive Director

The East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) has always had a strong Inside this plan you will find: commitment to public involvement in our regional decision-making processes. Our Board of Directors make transportation-related decisions affecting everything from the vitality of our Regional Planning Matters...... 2 regional economy to the daily lives of our citizens. Our work impacts our environment and our neighborhoods. Public guidance and advice are a vital consideration in how we allocate Who We Are...... 3 millions of dollars to transportation and other projects here in the St. Louis region. The Public Involvement We are constantly developing new resources, analyzing regional trends through data Planning Process...... 4 analysis, and providing technical assistance and education for our member governments and their constituents. Meaningful public involvement is not always easy. We are all aware Mission, Vision and that in today’s fast paced world it is challenging to achieve high levels of engagement on Goal Statement Overview...... 5 issues that have a longer time horizon or on initiatives that are not in our own backyards. But it is our obligation and mission to educate, inform and involve. Our process of engaging the Our Commitment to the public must give ALL people a variety of opportunities to influence public decision-making. Community...... 6

The purpose of the East-West Gateway Public Involvement Plan is to set forth expectations and Goals and Strategies...... 7 procedures for public involvement in our region’s transportation planning and other processes. Federal funders provide lots of guidance about what we MUST do but we have “wide latitude to The Agency’s Core Plans ...... 10 determine how, when and how often specific public involvement measures should take place, and what specific measures are most appropriate.” This is a huge responsibility and we don’t Title VI Program Policy...... 12 take it lightly. This document outlines our resources and approach but most importantly it outlines specific public involvement goals and strategies that our staff will work to achieve in the coming Tracking and years. Evaluation...... 12

This plan benefitted from the time and expertise of many people. We received invaluable Current Engagement Tools...... 13 input from an advisory committee of community members, suggestions from focus groups and a public survey. This plan will change and grow as East-West Gateway continues to Conclusion...... 15 engage our political leaders, businesses, residents and community organizations. Public involvement starts with you. I invite all our partners and stakeholders to become involved Appendix...... 16 in regional planning discussions with us and in your community. It is only through your involvement that we can truly create a regional agenda that is meaningful.

Ed Hillhouse

Community Connections | 1 EWG is designated by the federal government as the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), charged with coordinating transportation planning for the St. Louis metropolitan region. This includes roadway construction and Regional Planning maintenance projects, as well as bus, rail, Matters pedestrian, and bicycle projects from bridges that span our rivers to streetscape improvements in our neighborhoods. Regional planning might not seem like the most exciting topic. Every day we are bombarded with Allocating transportation dollars for specific requests for our time and attention and it is often projects and programs is a huge responsibility. hard to find the time to PARTICIPATE, especially EWG staff considers a number of federal when the issue doesn’t seem to affect us directly requirements, such as the need to conform at this moment. Moreover, when we deal with big to federal air quality standards and inclusive regional issues, like planning for regional safety public involvement, in our decision making. In and security, planning for a sustainable future, addition, we must work with limited transportation planning for new levees, planning for future funding made available by federal, state, and business, planning for the needs of our changing local sources to pay for projects. Our needs population, planning for future land use, or far outweigh our resources so we make tough planning for future infrastructure needs, it is often decisions that balance many regional needs. hard to believe that our voice or opinion could be heard in a meaningful way. The advice and input of a wide range of stakeholders is critical to making good regional The East-West Gateway Council of Governments decisions. Stakeholders include individuals and (EWG) undertakes many different types of groups alike. They include citizens, business regional planning activities, in partnership with owners, environmental and civic organizations federal, state, local governments and nonprofit and advocacy groups that represent the needs organizations. We understand that our decisions of the underserved/underrepresented-including affect all of our region’s citizens and therefore low income, minority, elderly, and disabled this public involvement plan works to create populations. avenues for you to participate in all of our planning activities. Your Voice Makes a Transportation Difference Impacts Each of Us Each of our stakeholders has a different perspective, a different set of needs and EWG is responsible for a wide variety of regional interests that East-West Gateway hears and planning activities but none more highly visible considers. Public involvement encompasses than the transportation planning and funding the process and the methods used by EWG All citizens ... decisions for the St. Louis region. Transportation to inform and involve the public in regional has a tremendous impact on a wide range must be involved issues and decisions. It is required by the of regional activities and institutions. Our federal laws that guide metropolitan planning in regional transportation system makes it possible for us organizations. But, it is also a valued tool we use to get where we want to go, as well as to enjoy discussions to ensure that investments made by state and products and services from all over the world. It local governments utilizing public dollars are surrounding is a driving force behind our region’s economic meaningful and meet the needs of our citizens health and our ability to grow. social, economic, and other stakeholders. We will work diligently through this plan to reach you. Please join us and environmental, In the St. Louis metropolitan region, our vast PARTICIPATE. transportation system includes the Mississippi community River, Lambert St. Louis International Airport and development and several regional airports, MetroLink (light rail), Metro Bus and paratransit services, ports, bike transportation paths and greenways, sidewalks and the many planning decisions local or state roadways and bridges we use each day.

2 | East-West Gateway Council of Governments 2014 Who We Are EWG is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the area, which means that the federal East-West Gateway Council of Governments is a government and the states have vested legal membership organization for local governments authority and responsibility in the agency for in the St. Louis metropolitan area. We cover developing and adopting plans for the region’s eight counties including the city of St. Louis; transportation system. Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, and St. Louis counties in Missouri; Madison, Monroe, and St. Any transportation project within the boundaries Clair counties in Illinois. Formed in 1965, EWG of the eight member counties that will be fully provides a forum for the local governments of the or partially funded with federal dollars must be bi-state St. Louis area to work together to solve contained in plans that are formally adopted by problems that cross jurisdictional boundaries. the Board of Directors. Our 24-member Board of Directors is comprised of the chief elected officials from our eight Transportation planning is not simply an counties and numerous other elected officials. exercise in design and engineering. It requires understanding and addressing the complex EWG’s designation as a regional council of relationship between mobility and the region’s governments (COG) means that the agency economy, community, and ecology. Its final has the civic responsibility to set the table for product is an evolving transportation investment cooperative planning and problem-solving strategy to serve the region’s economic vitality among and between any of its member and broad quality of life goals. local governments who believe that they can accomplish better things by working together The tools we use include population and than by acting separately. Although much of employment estimates, land use and this cooperative planning takes place among transportation facility inventories and maps, the eight major jurisdictions of the region, it is environmental quality assessments, computer not uncommon to find several small cities and models of existing and future travel patterns, towns clustered around a community betterment and activities to engage interest groups and initiative at EWG. These initiatives address issues community residents in setting priorities. as diverse as tax policy, environmental quality, regional security, economic development, and One of the Council’s strengths is providing an community planning. understanding of the regional impact of local decisions. Effective public engagement and EWGSt. MetropolitanLouis Metropolitan Planning Area Planning Area education is an essential part of the planning process and helps to inform the work of our agency.

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Community Connections | 3 We began to develop this plan in 2013. As part Thank you to our of the year-long process, the following actions were taken to support this plan’s development, Public Involvement completion and passage. Planning Advisory The Public • EWG’s community engagement staff Committee Involvement Planning established a Public Involvement Planning Process Advisory Committee that represented key perspectives in the community. The planning Bola Akande As the regional planning agency, our community committee met four times throughout the City of Brentwood and transportation planning activities impact process and had a clear set of tasks and every citizen in the St. Louis metropolitan outcomes. Vianey Beltran area. Like all public entities, we are required to Hispanic Chamber of engage in a public involvement process that • EWG’s community engagement staff reviewed Commerce of Metro St. Louis garners input from all of our citizens, regardless meeting evaluation forms submitted over of geography, economic background, age, the past few years. Feedback from various Laura Cohen ethnicity, race, physical or developmental ability. regional planning initiatives such as Renewing Environmental Advocate Our commitment is to provide opportunities for the Region (RtR), Transportation Improvement everyone to have an active voice in regional Plan (TIP), Long Range Plan (LRP) and the Gerry Hasenstab policy decisions. This plan meets these Regional Plan for Sustainable Development Catholic Urban Programs (IL) requirements and guides staff in their public (RPSD) helped inform this public involvement involvements and efforts to ensure meaningful plan. Mayor Monica Huddleston engagement opportunities. City of Greendale • All EWG staff was included at the beginning East-West Gateway Council of Governments is and the end of the planning process. Since this Will Jordan required by the Federal Highway Administration plan provides the blueprint for agency public Equal Housing Opportunity and Federal Transit Administration to develop, participation efforts, the full staff was asked Council submit, and implement a public involvement to engage in the creation of the mission and plan. All citizens, including low-income, vision for the plan. We also discussed current Linda Lehr minority, older adults, limited English proficient engagement efforts and requested ideas that Monroe County populations and individuals living with disabilities, should be considered as we developed the must be involved in regional discussions plan. Gayle McHenry surrounding social, economic, environmental, Shepherd’s Center of Webster/ community development and transportation • An EWG staff advisory committee, comprised Kirkwood planning decisions. of staff members who manage projects with major public involvement components, were Patrick McKeehan convened at key points in the process. The Small Business Development goal of this staff committee was to ensure that Center (IL) the ideas that were recommended for inclusion in the plan fit the needs of key agency projects S.J. Morrison and could be realistically implemented. Madison County Transit

• The planning process also included a public Mark Phillips survey concentrating on the approached Metro for reaching citizens effectively. The survey received over 400 responses from around the Naomi Soule region. Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind • Eleven focus groups were held with more than 85 community members representing diverse Dr. Morris Taylor, Ph.D. constituencies. Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville • Comments from the 45 day public comment period were considered and incorporated . Terry Wilson Franklin County • The Board of Directors approves the plan in May 2014.

4 | East-West Gateway Council of Governments 2014 Mission of the Public Involvement Plan Create Meaningful Engagement Opportunities That Are Accessible to Everyone

Vision: EWG staff, in our commitment to include all citizens in regional planning discussions and decisions, will create and continuously support a framework that guides our public involvement efforts. Our public involvement program will always include specific strategies that welcome ideas, leverage partnerships, respect differences, embrace community, share knowledge, and foster responsive solutions that reflect the citizen’s regional aspirations.

Goal 1 EWG will clearly articulate the process for public information and involvement from the outset of GOALS a project. Goal 2

This plan offers meaningful opportunities for EWG will create mechanisms that document the public to be involved in the identification of public feedback and make it available for social, economic, and environmental impacts of public consideration and report how we used/ proposed transportation and community plans incorporated public input in the decision-making at East-West Gateway. One of the primary goals process. of EWG as the MPO in providing opportunities Goal 3 for public involvement is to ensure that transportation plans reflect community values EWG will create and strengthen the and benefit all segments of the community Council’s strategies for reaching people and equitably. communicating appropriately.

We envision a future where communities Goal 4 will see themselves as part of the regional EWG will assure that every effort is made to decision-making process and understand how ensure nondiscrimination in all of our programs to accomplish their goals. We hope to offer and activities, whether they are federally funded our citizens an effective voice and a way to be or not. heard by regional decision makers. We will work with our Board, our staff and our partners to Goal 5 ensure that the public concerns and aspirations EWG will provide access to and create quality are consistently understood and considered. information, education and data.

Goal 6 EWG will continuously evaluate the effectiveness of our public involvement program.

Community Connections | 5 Our Commitment to the Community

The following fundamentals drive East-West Gateway public involvement activities:

Inclusive We proactively reach out and engage citizens and take specific actions to ensure the involvement of typically hard-to-reach communities including low income, minority, Limited English Proficiency (LEP), senior adult and disabled, so these groups have an opportunity to participate and contribute.

Responsive We strive to respond and incorporate appropriate public comments into all transportation decisions.

Accurate We make every effort to provide accurate information.

Respectful All feedback we receive is given careful and respectful consideration.

Proactive and Timely Participation methods allow for early involvement and are ongoing and proactive so participants can impact Council decisions.

Understandable Participation methods have a clear purpose and are described in language that is easy to understand.

Transparent We will report how the public‘s input informs decisions.

Authentic and Meaningful We support public participation as a dynamic and meaningful activity that requires teamwork and commitment at all levels of the organization.

Customized We customize our public participation methods in a variety of ways to match local and cultural preferences.

6 | East-West Gateway Council of Governments 2014 Public Involvement Goals and Strategies The community engagement staff will be responsible for working with all EWG staff to design action items and timelines for each of the following goals and will track progress.

Objective 2: Create a vehicle for evaluation at the end of the Goal 1 public involvement activity. EWG will clearly articulate the process for public Strategy A: In collaboration with EWG staff a new project close information and involvement from the outset of a out process will be created with an eye toward documenting public project. involvement efforts and outcomes. Strategy B: New evaluation and tracking mechanisms will be Objective 1: Ensure meaningful participation opportunities for developed to collect feedback and assessment on all public ALL communities. involvement processes. Strategy A: In consultation with community engagement staff, Approach: These will be analyzed and reported out in a planning process will be developed and then tracked for all conjunction with the advisory committee at regular intervals. projects. Staff will be required to collect this data and submit to community Approach: Staff will meet with PIP staff to discuss their plans engagement staff at regular intervals. allowing for early input that continues throughout the project/ planning process. Plans must explicitly consider potential for influence and how feedback will be incorporated and must identify hard to reach communities and how these communities will be reached and engaged. What We Heard: In advisory committee meetings, we heard that staff needs to decide the best strategies in Strategy B: We will create an advisory committee comprised of advance. We also heard that we shouldn’t ask for feedback after people who represent key perspectives of the community to help everything has been decided and we need to tell people what EWG staff assess their plans. we actually need to know so they can provide useful feedback. Approach: Staff should present their public involvement Survey results showed that 63 percent of respondents really strategy to this committee at the beginning of a project/planning want information or feedback concerning regional issues. EWG process. needs to work hard to create opportunities to hear people better and respond accordingly. EWG should provide clear statements Strategy C: EWG will collect data on how people receive their when requesting ideas and opinions on input into planning. Ask information and provide feedback. specific questions. Define the feedback needs. EWG should Approach: Staff will consider public involvement survey obtain data about communities with whom we work before we feedback when planning outreach strategies. (see Appendix) engage.

Goal 2 What We Heard: The public needs to know that EWG EWG will create mechanisms that document public feedback and make it available for utilizes public opinion in the decision-making process. People public consideration and report how we used/ want to hear back on discussions and results of meetings. They incorporated public input in the decision-making want to be kept in the “loop” when regional and community process. planning and actions are taking place. Do this on a regular basis not just at the end of the process. Survey results showed Objective 1: Report back often to the community as to status that 72 percent of respondents voice their opinions through of input, decisions and plans. online surveys; 50 percent also opt to talk to their elected official to voice their opinions. Survey results tell us that 72 percent Strategy A: Create an easy to find, dedicated space for public of respondents in the region utilize online newspapers to get involvement reporting on the EWG website that “tie-in” to information; followed by watching the local news stations. Facebook and Twitter. Strategy B: Create an agency monthly electronic newsletter that reports the activities of the agency to the community. Strategy C: Create a monthly electronic update for e-mail and print that specifically reports public involvement outcomes, opportunities, activities and strategies.

Community Connections | 7 Goal 3 Objective 3: Expand and enhance the EWG network through partnerships. EWG will create and strengthen the Council’s Strategy A: Assess current agency memberships in order to strategies for reaching people and communicating ensure agency participation with a broad array of partners and appropriately. track EWG attendance and participation in meetings and events.

Objective 1: Find new and creative ways to reach and involve Strategy B: Serve as a matchmaker to help partners find the right people. resources. Strategy A: Redesign and assess necessary content of EWG Strategy C: Create a process under which EWG staff actively website to make it more user friendly, to ensure important contacts and engages with new groups quarterly. information is easier to find and that content is relevant for users. Strategy D: Actively look for new partnership opportunities through Strategy B: The agency will continue to enhance its social media sponsorship/involvement in regional events.

capabilities. Objective 4: Create training for staff to introduce members of Approach: EWG has recently begun using Facebook and the communities that we need to reach and discuss appropriate Twitter. We will explore ways to begin to use integrated video, approaches for engagement. surveys and blogs. Strategy A: Invite members of key community groups to be part of Strategy C: We will create a communication staff committee an ongoing agenda and introduce their groups to staff. to discuss, assess existing and implement new outreach Strategy B: Introduce staff to fundamental and advanced communication tools and strategies. approaches and tools for effective public involvement Approach: This committee will meet quarterly to assess and improve our social media content and its efficacy, to identify new social media options and website options and to ensure that What We Heard: EWG needs to update and remodel all the use of all electronic and other communication tools are the website. Create an effective webpage. Make the website coordinated. more interactive. Social media is a must to communicate to the public. Staff should trust community’s suggestions when Objective 2: Expand the types of opportunities for trying to reach people. Staff needs to use diverse strategies participation. and means. EWG should be more visible in communities— Strategy A: Develop creative programming, including speaker connecting, listening, and involving them in the process. series, discussion forums and expanded policy briefings. Utilize the community organizations to better reach people Strategy B: Identify new strategies for reaching people through publications, places of worship, alumni organizations, electronically including web meetings, on-line real-time question homeowner associations, etc. Go to where the groups are and answer sessions, interactive electronic open houses and already meeting such as senior meals, coffee shops, at fish frys, webinars educational situations (classrooms). Strategy C: Conduct effective, productive and interactive EWG needs to recognize and access memberships to meetings. and support for other organizations. Find ways to use new technology to reach people. Explain who we are. Survey results Approach: Project staff should work with community show that 61 percent of respondents get their information engagement staff to identify planning meeting activities that from the workplace with 50 percent receiving information from maximize participation. Identify new ways to collect public feedback community organizations and or community meetings. at meetings including touchpad polling surveys at the end of meetings to ensure collection of evaluation data.

Strategy B: Title VI, ADA, and environmental justice materials will Goal 4 be available at EWG meetings. EWG will assure that every effort is made to ensure Strategy C: EWG will offer translations of necessary materials and nondiscrimination in all of our programs and provide appropriate accommodations as requested. We will track activities, whether they are federally funded or not. all requests for accommodation. Approach: EWG has developed informational material Objective 1: Provide information to the public regarding regarding Title VI obligations. Information regarding requests Title VI obligations. for accommodation must be included on all public involvement Strategy A: Post EWG’s policy statement regarding Title VI on the materials along with the agency’s Title VI statement. website along with the complaint procedure.

8 | East-West Gateway Council of Governments 2014 Approach: Materials produced for public consumption need to Goal 5 use formats that are accessible and make sense to non-planning professionals and include explanations of how the data material can EWG will provide access to and create quality be used. Data and information should include a staff contact for information, education and data. questions. Staff should look at how searchable databases can be Objective 1: Data, information, and plans need to focus on used and made available. relevance and impact to the public whenever possible. Objective 2: Ensure that staff has access to the appropriate Strategy A: Identify new ways to present data/information to the tools and information. public, including on our website and through social media, in an Strategy A: Create an intranet site where staff can post and find understandable and accessible manner. the latest information, data and updates from colleagues that can Strategy B: Work to make our GIS and demographic products easily be used internally by different departments. available to the communities and groups that have an interest. Approach: Community Engagement staff in consultation with Strategy C: Continue to expand and enhance Where We Stand program staff will develop a toolkit for staff that includes resources, and its updates and ensure broad distribution of regional policy templates, internal databases and shared materials to enhance our analysis of the topics we choose to highlight. efforts to effectively communicate with our publics. Strategy D: Continue to expand and enhance the availability of Objective 3: Information, education, data development training and workshops on EWG projects, grants and key regional and articulation needs to consider all Title VI, EJ, ADA, and LEP and local government policy issues. requirements in the planning stages and ensure that citizens, members and contractors are aware of these requirements. Strategy E: Create partnerships with public radio, news and television outlets. Strategy A: Community engagement staff in cooperation with program staff will continue to develop mechanisms to ensure that citizens understand their rights under Title VI, to ensure that recipients of funding are fulfilling their obligations and that EWG What We Heard: EWG needs a comprehensive documents its efforts to ensure compliance. communications strategy. Be careful not to make presentations too technical and avoid bureaucratic language. EWG needs to understand its communities by collecting its own data and data from other agencies. 62 percent of survey respondents feel that EWG should share information and data with the public. Use more visuals, less words. 60 percent feel that EWG should provide information and education for the public about regional topics.

Strategy E: Institute a EWG regional public awareness and Goal 6 satisfaction survey every two to three years to assess public perceptions about EWG and assess how we can improve our EWG will continuously evaluate the effectiveness of outreach efforts. EWG public involvement program. Strategy F: Implement an agency self-evaluation process of public Objective 1: Continuously evaluate participant and public involvement efforts annually. satisfaction. Approach: Utilize advisory committee for assistance on Strategy A: Track participation efforts and approaches for every evaluation techniques and analysis. EWG sponsored meeting.

Strategy B: Create a realistic evaluation policy and ensure that staff is capturing necessary and appropriate evaluation data. What We Heard: A project close-out process could Strategy C: Create an internal database to capture all evaluation be implemented. Experiences about what has worked and what data. hasn’t need to be shared. Identify a tracking mechanism that does not require unreasonable staff time requirements. Strategy D: Analyze the results of evaluative data on a regular basis to illustrate changes in participation, representative participation and identify areas for improvement.

Community Connections | 9 The Agency’s Core Plans Public participation is a valuable tool used to shape plans that accurately reflect the goals and vision for the region. EWG develops several core plans on a regularized schedule that have stipulated, minimum public input requirements. In each case we strive to find new avenues to engage the public and expand input beyond what is required. EWG recognizes that specific plans and studies with regional goals and objectives are more valuable when active community input is included. The following plans describe EWG’s core plans with public comment periods identified. All of EWG’s core plans are available on the EWG website.

A. Unified Planning Work Program B. Long-Range Transportation Plan The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is The Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) is used to organize and unify all of the agency’s the cornerstone of the metropolitan transportation work for the coming year. The development of planning process and serves as a blueprint for the UPWP creates an opportunity for the policy- the management of the region’s transportation makers on the Board of Directors, the agency’s system. It identifies transportation improvements advisory committees, and our funding agencies for a 25 to 30 year period. It articulates region- to review and consider EWG’s many discrete wide transportation goals, policies and strategies activities in the context of the whole. It also ranging from road and transit improvements provides staff with a valuable management tool to projects that enhance bike, pedestrian and and is part of grant applications for several state freight movement. As required by federal law, and federal programs. EWG develops the LRTP every four years.

Unexpected circumstances sometimes The principles and strategies included in the necessitate additions to the document outside LRTP are carried out through a variety of short the regular annual cycle. When this happens, range transportation-related plans and programs. and funding has been clearly identified for new Chief among these is the Transportation activities, the Board can amend new work into Improvement Program (TIP), which reflects the UPWP as part of monthly board meetings. short-term decisions on how federal funds are spent in the region. In effect the TIP is used to The complexity of our work frequently demands implement the LRTP. Other plans connected interdepartmental coordination, interdisciplinary to the implementation of the LRTP include, the research, and considerable involvement of Coordinated Human Services Plan, the Regional members of the affected public and constituent Bike and Walking Transportation Plan, the interest groups. Virtually none of the work Regional Freight Study, the Congestion Mitigation elements contained in the UPWP can be properly Process and OneSTL:The Plan for Regional implemented without a team effort. Sustainable Development.

The UPWP is supported by financial grants and The Council’s Board of Directors oversees the in-kind resources from federal, state, and local development of short and long range plans for government sources, non-profit organizations as the region and selects the federally and locally well as private foundations. EWG submits this funded capital projects and operational initiatives UPWP to our funding agencies as a commitment that best carry our the principles and strategies to fulfill our legal obligations as the region’s of the long-range plan. designated MPO, and to our local governments and the public as a commitment to do all we can The Council develops the LRTP under to enhance quality of life as the region’s council certification from the U.S. Department of of governments. Transportation and under joint agreements among the states of Missouri and Illinois and Comment period: 45 days the eight counties in the region: the city of St. Update schedule: Annually Louis, St. Charles, St. Louis, Franklin, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties. All federally-funded transportation projects must be consistent with the principles of the LRTP to be included in the TIP.

Comment period: 30 days Update schedule: Every 4 years

10 | East-West Gateway Council of Governments 2014 C. Transportation Improvement Program D. Public Involvement Plan The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) The Public Involvement Plan (PIP) provides is a financial and implementation schedule for a framework to guide the public participation projects receiving federal transportation funding process for all activities at EWG including in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The TIP transportation-planning projects and a range of documents how St. Louis will prioritize limited programs and special studies, including major transportation resources to meet the needs of the investment studies. This plan specifies EWG’s region. It contains major surface transportation strategies and techniques to be considered and projects planned to receive federal, state and employed in achieving the goals of the public local funding within the metro area that will participation process. be carried out in a four year period. Project examples include new roadways, additional As part of the plan we document and assess through lanes to existing streets, interchange current public involvement approaches and construction or modification, improvements activities. We identify new ways that our agency to intersections, transit amenities and bicycle/ should and can reach out to the public, inform pedestrian facilities. EWG updates the TIP every the public and ensure meaningful involvement year. from all of our citizens.

Projects identified in the TIP are prioritized The plan is informed by the board of directors, from, and must be consistent with, the region’s staff, an advisory committee and citizen 20-year Long-Range Transportation Plan. The feedback. TIP consists of a four-year program: the current year plus the next three consecutive years. Each EWG is dedicated to a planning process that year the TIP is modified by adding a new fourth allows all citizens affected by the agency’s year and advancing the first of its future years to activities to have a voice. As the designated current status. While the projects in the TIP are metropolitan planning organization for shown for a four-year time period, the emphasis transportation planning in the bi-state St. is on the first three years. Presenting a four-year Louis area, EWG receives federal funding from span allows for a more systematic forecast of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funding needs during a four-year planning cycle, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the and provides a more comprehensive view of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and program for public information purposes. other state and federal agencies responsible for metropolitan planning. Public notice of public involvement activities and time established for public review and comment Effective public involvement requires that the on the TIP satisfies the program of projects agency be as inclusive as possible to serve the requirements of the Section 5307 Program for widest range of citizens, especially the hard to public transportation operators. reach populations who reside in the bi-state area. The plan will be continuously reassessed for Comment period: 30 days updating needs. Update schedule: Annually Comment period: 45 days Update schedule: As needed

Community Connections | 11 Title VI Policy Statements The East-West Gateway Council of Governments assures that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or gender, as provided by Title VI of the Tracking and Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Evaluation Restoration Act of 1987 (PL 100.259) (Title We know that the key factors in a successful VI), or because of a disability, as provided effort are that participants have a clear concept of by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the goals of the meetings, that they understand be excluded from participation in, be denied what they are being asked to do and they know the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to how we will incorporate their input. Included discrimination under any program or activity. in evaluation design is developing a process East-West Gateway further assures that every for ensuring that feedback is considered and effort will be made to ensure nondiscrimination incorporated where appropriate and then in all of its programs and activities, whether communicated back to our stakeholders. those programs and activities are federally funded or not. East-West Gateway includes Participation Tracking (see Goal 6) Title VI and ADA language in all written In order to improve upon the participation process agreements with subrecipients, contractors and to improve upon the use of public input, the and consultants and will monitor programs EWG staff will track public involvement activities. and activities for compliance. East-West Part of this tracking will involve the consideration of Gateway’s Title VI Coordinator is responsible follow-up and feedback to the public. To facilitate for initiating and monitoring Title VI and ADA participation tracking the EWG staff will utilize the activities, preparing required reports, and other project tracking form template shown on this page. responsibilities as required by law. The act of tracking public participation not only Non-discrimination policy will help to create more effective public outreach East- West Gateway is committed to ensuring efforts, but it will also serve as one means for the that its plans and processes include as many EWG to evaluate how well various participation individuals as possible and that no one is and outreach efforts work. discriminated against in the implementation of its programs. East-West Gateway has a EWG Participation Tracking Form non-discrimination policy to help ensure that discrimination does not occur, and if someone 1. Event: believes they have been discriminated against, a. Date: there is a process to follow to file a complaint b. Conducted by: and have the matter investigated. The non- c. Attendees (# and type): discrimination policy applies to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, and limited English 2. Summary of public comments/concerns/interests that need to be addressed: proficiency. The Non-Discrimination Policy and 3. Information learned: Procedure Manual may be found at www.ewgateway.org, or a copy may be obtained 4. Who gets information? by contacting the Title VI Coordinator at a. When? 314-421-4220 or 618-274-2750, or by email b. How? at [email protected]. As referenced in the Non-Discrimination Policy and Procedure 5. Follow-up with the public: Manual, East-West Gateway is required to a. Immediate follow-up activities: have a plan in place to address the challenge Who will? With whom? For what? When? of citizens in our region of Limited English (Name/address/phone) Proficiency, who may want to participate in our activities but cannot effectively do so due b. Feedback to the public (what did we do with their input?) to language barriers. In certain cases, East- Who will? With whom? For what? When? West Gateway has an obligation to ensure (Name/address/phone) that appropriate accommodations have been 6. Process advice: made to make information available to LEP communities. More information on our non- a. What worked well in this public participation activity? discrimination processes can be found in the b. What would I change next time? EWG Title VI program. c. How can this information be shared with others working at/with EWG?

12 | East-West Gateway Council of Governments 2014 Engagement Tools We Are Currently Using East-West Gateway has many approaches that are currently used to reach the public and garner input.

East-West Gateway Committees—EWG supports numerous committees that include citizens and professionals from other organizations for the purpose of advising the agency’s work. These committees include the Air Quality Advisory Committee, the Water Resources Council, the Transportation Planning Committee, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and the Advisory Council of the St. Louis Area Regional Response System. Citizens and officials on these committees provide regular and ongoing input. The agency also convenes ad hoc advisory policy and technical committees to support agency initiatives as needed. The Great Streets Advisory committee, the Northside-Southside advisory committee (considers alternatives for future light rail expansion) and the working group assisting with the agency’s creation of a Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan, are a few of the newer policy groups created to improve the services in the region.

Presentations—EWG staff, by invitation, attends meetings of numerous civic, volunteer, business, neighborhood, and professional organizations to share information about the agency’s work.

Publications—Numerous regular publications are created to inform and educate the public on regional issues of concern. Other materials are continuously developed to support citizen engagement as the need arises. Examples include: • Local Government Briefings (a weekly newsletter distributed by e-mail and fax). Any individual who asks to be placed on the distribution list is accommodated. • Where We Stand: A Regional Strategic Assessment that ranks the St. Louis Metropolitan Area as compared to 35 major metropolitan areas throughout the nation on indicators of regional importance. • Talking the Talk: A Pocket Guide to the Language of Transportation Planning: Updated in 2007 and designed to aid citizens in understanding transportation planning and the problem-solving process. • Annual Public Officials Directory: An eight county reference guide containing contact information for key local government elected officials and personnel. • Know Your Rights- Title VI brochure series: Available in English, Spanish and Bosnian. • East-West Gateway Informational Brochure: Explains the mission, history and functions of the agency and how the public and others can be involved in agency activities. • Frequently Asked Questions about the TIP: A Q&A brochure explaining the Transportation Improvement Program process.

The Internet—EWG website, Twitter, Facebook, the EWG interactive blog—EWG maintains a web site at www.ewgateway.org . Information and educational materials about planning and problem-solving activities are regularly posted for the public to review on this web site. Copies of draft plans, reports, final publications, RFPs, meeting agendas and minutes are also available. Opportunities to learn and be involved in EWG activities and other regional events are posted. The web page has interactive features, allowing citizens to register their comments on an ongoing basis. We also use Twitter, Facebook and the agency blog for continuous outreach and engagement.

Community Connections | 13 The Outstanding Local Government Mapping—Our GIS team develops maps to Achievement Awards—Each year, East- inform the public, our research partners and for West Gateway presents its Outstanding Local use in presentations. They produce a new map Government Achievement Awards recognizing each month on different demographic trends that the extraordinary work of municipal, county, are made available on our website. public safety and school district officials. Nominations are widely solicited from community Research—The research staff provides organizations and individuals and local indepth analysis of regional trends related government officials. The goals of the program to transportation planning, demographic are to acknowledge the good work occurring changes, and sustainability planning. Staff in the local government community, to raise uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) public awareness of the positive impacts of local applications, and data from the Census and government and to involve community members other sources to ensure the availability of in a program that highlights the progress in their accurate information. communities.

Local Government Partnership—The agency is also a member of the Local Government Partnership, a collaborative effort with the University of Missouri. The Partnership mission is to provide technical assistance and training to local government officials throughout the region.

Technical Assistance and Training—Council staff works with local officials and citizens to recognize, analyze and find regional solutions. EWG works with citizens, community organizations and local government officials, providing technical assistance and training to help them voice their perspectives and do business more effectively.

Workshops—EWG hosts workshops that are open to the public in accessible settings on an array of regional issues.

Surveys—Staff utilizes surveys in order to gather more comprehensive information and viewpoints from the region. Responses and results of the surveys can be found on the website.

14 | East-West Gateway Council of Governments 2014 Conclusion East-West Gateway has maintained and enhanced its strong commitment to public involvement since its inception 49 years ago. This document is another phase in an on- going planning process designed to ensure continuous improvement in our efforts. We are committed to overcoming today’s challenges to public participation and identifying new avenues to involve all the citizens of the region. We would therefore ask you to contact us with any suggestions you may have.

Please send comments, feedback or inquiries on this plan to:

Julianne Stone Manager, Community Engagement and Local Government Services East-West Gateway Council of Governments, One S. Memorial Drive. Suite 1600, St. Louis, MO 63102 Phone: 314-421-4220 or 618-274-2750

Community Connections | 15 Appendix: Public Involvement Survey This survey is a collection of facts and opinions on how the public receives information about EWG and our region. It explores the challenges that keep individuals from participating in events and what might make one more likely to share their opinions about big regional projects and smaller ones that may only impact specific communities. We have also thrown in a couple of questions on what issues are important and what they think EWG goals should be as they relate to public participation. EWG staff, members of the community and our partner organizations can use this information to hone appropriate outreach strategies for target audiences. We received 409 responses to the survey.

Survey Response Locations Question 28 by Zip Code

16 | East-West Gateway Council of Governments 2014 Pertaining to East-West Gateway:

1: Are you familiar with the activities of the East-West Gateway Council of Governments? (Check all that apply) Response Response Percent Count I’ve been to an East-West Gateway sponsored meeting or event. 54% 202 I’ve heard about East-West Gateway on the news. 53% 196 My jurisdiction/agency has received funding from East-West Gateway. 31% 113 I have completed an East-West Gateway survey. 21% 77 I’ve participated in an East-West Gateway project. 32% 117 I’ve received information from East-West Gateway. 49% 181 I work with East-West Gateway as part of my job. 36% 135 I have never heard of or worked with East-West Gateway. 16% 58 Other (please specify) 15 15 answered question 371 skipped question 13

2: Which of the following East-West Gateway activities are most important to you? (Check all that apply) Response Response Percent Count Economic Development/Jobs 69% 240 Environment 41% 143 Homeland Security 12% 42 Highway/Street System Improvements 62% 213 Public Transit System Improvements 61% 211 Sustainability 51% 178 Community Participation and Training 35% 120 Regional Dialogues 36% 123 Intergovernmental Collaboration 54% 188 Local and Regional Data 48% 167 Other (please specify) 13 answered question 346 skipped question 38

2. Other “Historic preservation “Public Safety “Media bias “Natural disaster preparation/response “Selling off or removing deteriorating or abandoned property “Universal design and accessibility for people with disabilities “Regional planning “Biking and walking improvements “Equitable Transportation Investments/Project funding & PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Community Connections | 17 Communication: 3. Other (Responses are aggregated 3: Which of the following electronic resources do you use to get to eliminate duplication) information about what is happening in your community or the region? (Check top 3) Local network TV news, Response Response “Local Radio (KMOX, Percent Count “KPNT, KDHX, KWMU, KTRS, WSIE, KJFF) Television 62% 209 Radio 54% 182 National Public Radio Youtube 3% 10 “Local Blogs and Forums Twitter 15% 49 “(UrbanSTL, NextSTL, urbanreviewstl) Facebook 32% 110 Next Door (electronic neighborhood network) 8% 26 Preservation Office, pretty much any development Newspapers (online or print) 74% 251 “ or preservation blog in Electronic Newsletters 53% 178 STL. E-mail 62% 211 I read half a dozen STL Phone calls 17% 59 “specific blogs including Text messaging 10% 35 Mayor Slay’s Blogs 10% 35 St. Louis Post Dispatch Other. Also, if you selected TV, radio or blog, please specify. 72 “(Stltoday.com and Weekly answered question 339 Transportation Chat) skipped question 45 Push and notifications “from smartphone and mobile applications 4: Which of the following community-based resources do you use Mostly: word of mouth to get information about what is happening in your community or the “Webcasts region? (Check top 3) “City Hall/City websites Response Response Percent Count “PUBLIC News Announcements. Workplace 61% 201 “ Community Website and Neighborhood organizations/meetings 48% 157 Community news sites Neighborhood places (i.e. barbershop, coffee house) 19% 61 Work LinkedIn. House of worship/spiritual leader 11% 35 “Neighborhood“ Watch Community-wide event (i.e. Earth Day, Annie Malone, International 26% 84 Program Festival) “ U.S. mailed newsletters, flyers, etc. 47.4% 156 Yard signs, neighborhood banners, door-hangers 22% 72 Roadside variable message boards 18% 58 Community bulletin boards 16% 51 Neighborhood Library 9% 28 Local elected officials 30% 98 Other (please specify) 21 answered question 329 skipped question 55

18 | East-West Gateway Council of Governments 2014 5: Where or to whom would you be most likely to voice your opinion? (Check all that apply) Response Response 5. Other Percent Count (Responses are aggregated Workplace 50.3% 167 to eliminate duplication) Neighborhood meeting 49.1% 163 Have a toll free comment Organization meeting 47.3% 157 “line House of worship/spiritual leader 6.9% 23 Local Blogs and Radio call-in 4.5% 15 “Forums (NextSTL, Youtube video 0.9% 3 UrbanreviewSTL, Online survey 72.0% 239 E-mail Petition Mail-back survey 27.7% 92 “Public radio“ Leave message on a phone line 9.9% 33 “STLtoday.com At a virtual meeting 10.5% 35 Twitter 11.1% 37 “Local Radio (KMOX, “KWMU, KSHE) Comment section of local website 20.5% 68 Local Television Facebook 24.7% 82 Next Door (electronic neighborhood 6.3% 21 “Climate Reality St. Louis network) and Sierra Club “ Letter to the editor 14.5% 48 American Planning Letter to or conversation with an elected official 43.1% 143 “Association - St. Louis Metro Section Newsletter contribution 12.3% 41 Yard sign 3.9% 13 St Louis County Council “on Disabilities, Paraquad, Public/Council Meeting 34.6% 115 Diversity Awareness Public demonstration 6.0% 20 Partnership Phone bank for an organization 2.4% 8 Kirkwood Chamber of Blog 5.7% 19 “Commerce in Kirkwood Though educational institution. 7.8% 26 Any organization I’m a Other. Also if you selected TV, radio, 16 “part of website, blog or organization please specify. E-mail to elected officials answered question 332 “ skipped question 52

4. Other (Responses are aggregated to eliminate duplication) “Friends “University “Social media (Facebook, Neighborhood Social Media), “Community Based Social Media) “Local media “Mostly: word of mouth “Municipal website “Newspaper “American Planning Association - St. Louis Metro Section “Websites “St. Louis American “Webster-Kirkwood Times newspaper “Web calendars like RFT and Explore St. Louis Community Connections | 19 Time, Access, Location:

6: When are you most likely to attend a public meeting or event? (Check all that apply) Response Response Percent Count Morning during the week 29.8% 98 Afternoon during the week 32.8% 108 Evening during the week 69.3% 228 Saturday 23.7% 78 6. Other Sunday 10.3% 34 Online (Flexible Schedule) 36.8% 121 Lunchtime on weekdays Not likely to attend 8.8% 29 “Any week day Other (please specify) 8 “Early morning - before answered question 329 “work skipped question 55

7: If you require accommodations, such as an interpreter, language translation, special seating or transportation issues, have you ever requested them? Response Response Percent Count Yes 3% 6 No 97% 195 answered question 201 skipped question 183

8: Has a lack of accommodations ever prevented you from attending an event? Response Response Percent Count Yes 5.0% 13 No 95.0% 249 answered question 262 9. Type of skipped question 122 Accommodataion

I’m disabled, use a 9: If you have a disability, what type of accommodations do you need? “wheelchair. Don’t need accommodations. Just Response make sure location is Count accessible ...see pullout list to the right 39 Large print materials and answered question 39 “transportation for me with skipped question 345 my relater “Transportation “Braille “Wheelchair lift “Hearing

20 | East-West Gateway Council of Governments 2014 10: What is your preferred meeting location? (Check all that apply) Response Response 10. Other Percent Count

Online (2) City Hall/ Government Building 73% 234 Community Center/ Recreation Building 82% 263 “School building - let’s “take advantage of these Library 56% 179 buildings our tax dollars Restaurant 22% 71 built. Church/House of Worship 16% 50 Near transit Coffee Shop 25% 81 “ School Building 50% 160 Neighbor’s Home 10% 33 Other (please specify) 11 answered question 320 skipped question 64

11: If there is a meeting about a community topic that interests you, are you willing to travel? Response Response Percent Count I will go to a city other than my own. 40% 129 I will go to a county other than my own. 23% 75 I will go to a state other than my own (Missouri or Illinois). 17% 55 I will not attend a meeting out of my own community. 13% 43 I do not attend meetings. 7% 22 answered question 324 skipped question 60

12: If you are willing to travel, how far are you willing to go? Response Response Percent Count Less than 10 minutes. 9% 30 10-20 minutes travel time. 36% 116 20-30 minutes travel time. 35% 112 30 minutes or more. 24% 78 Not willing to travel. 4% 14 answered question 325 skipped question 59

9. Accommodation Continued... Mobility impairment in wheelchair. Stairs, Hearing impairment - not sure how to Young families are chronically under- “doorways, Limited meeting space. “accommodate that. “represented in all things, because they Sighted assistance in getting to my seat Main level access, elevator, are “handicapped” in their ability to “and hearing assistance [microphone, “handicapped parking that’s not a mile show up and make their voice heard. sitting up front, etc] away from the entrance Yet, we are building the better world — for them! Visual (legally blind) Accessibility as specified by ADA, “ “public transportation No steps, microphones, no slide show I need a listening device, and a place “type of presentations. “that is near public transportation. “Large screens & type

Community Connections | 21 How do you participate in civic life?

13: How are you presently involved in your community? (Check all that apply) Response Response Percent Count I serve on a nonprofit, neighborhood, or local government board. 48.8% 146 I participate on a community discussion blog. 9.7% 29 I donate to or am a member of a local organization. 51.5% 154 I attend local community meetings (i.e. city council, neighborhood 60.5% 181 associations.) I participate in regional organizations (i.e. NAACP, Urban League, 21.1% 63 United Way.) I plan community events. 26.1% 78 I am not currently involved. 13.0% 39 Other. Also, please specify organizations of which you are a member. 32 answered question 299 skipped question 85

13. Other APA, CNU, EDF, MBG, MRRA International City/County Management Association “ “League of Women Voters, St. Vincent Greenway City/Arch/River Advisory, Patch neighborhood “Inc., FOCUS St. Louis, Sierra Club “board I work in municipal government. I am an elected official - member of NAACP, “ “Coalition of 100 Black Women, and Democratic I am a Village Administrator in IL Club “St. Louis Metro section APA St. Louis section ULI I serve as an employee of a municipal government “Metropolitan Congregations United “North County Inc., chamber of commerce, Rotary- “Work for a local government Florissant “ “I have participated in past community planning Delta Sigma Theta “projects “Benton Park West Neighborhood Association, St. Top Ladies of Distinction-Cardinal Chapter Louis Rehabbers Club, St. Louis Association of “ “I am an employee at city hall Community Organizations “Neighborhood Watch urbanreviewstl.com “Work for local government “Homeowners Association “I work for a municipality “Metro Tri Club “Elks Lodge, Mo City Clerks and Finance Officers, “Crossing Church “IIMC, NAP “Work for a City “I am involved through working at a non-profit “Government employee “Through my job at a university “Suburban Mayors, 24:1, “I’m a member of CERT “Also work part-time for neighborhood nonprofit “organization “

22 | East-West Gateway Council of Governments 2014 14. Other 14: What would motivate you to attend an information session on an important community or regional issue? (Check all that apply) Collaborative events Response Response “If it is a subject that Percent Count “affects my constituents It is a subject of interest that directly affects me. 93% 286 If it’s related to It is taking place as part of a meeting/gathering that I already attend. 53% 164 “sustainability, I’ll be The session is available online. 33% 101 there. There is a public health concern. 33% 103 It matters to an There is a natural disaster concern. 26% 80 “underserved population I want to be more informed. 61% 189 or it protests an onerous I want to improve my community. 70% 216 population I want to meet my neighbors. 20% 62 Refreshments are always It’s fun and there are refreshments. 19% 57 “so refreshing! Other (please specify) 8 It is well run meeting “with fair opportunities for answered question 308 discussion skipped question 76 It directly affects my “interests. 15: What would keep you from attending a meeting? (Check all that apply) It concerns an Response Response Percent Count “environmental or sustainability issue. The issue is not important to me. 77% 236 There will be too many people at a meeting, I prefer a smaller group. 11% 33 I don’t feel like I would be welcome. 14% 44 It is not in my community. 24% 74 I don’t believe my opinion will be taken into consideration. 27% 83 No means of transportation. 6% 19 No public transit access. 7% 22 I don’t speak English very well. 1% 3 No refreshments. 4% 11 Inconvenient time of day. 73% 225 15. Other I’m concerned that I won’t be able to hear and/or see the speaker. 4% 11 Location or area perceived as not safe. 30% 93 Little advanced notice Family care (family member at home who requires assistance). 8% 25 “Usually painfully boring. Concern about accessibility. 3% 10 “Many meetings are Other (please specify) 17 “more argument than answered question 308 discussion skipped question 76 “Overbooked already

Did not know about the meeting When I did attend neighborhood Time restrictions due to job; or other “although posted but not on an email list “association meetings, it was full of “meeting conflicts; there are always crackpots who wanted to spout off. There more meetings I want to attend than is A pattern of ignoring public input / no wasn’t anything productive about it. realistic “feedback or response Not knowing when the meetings are The weather Perception there will be few substantial taking place “outcomes coming from a meeting “ “Churches - perceived hidden agendas Accessibility - ready & free parking when meeting in a church Health “ “ “Not enough time to fit into work & life Meeting conflict “Anxiety about not knowing anyone “ “ Community Connections | 23 16: When we reach out to ask for your involvement and feedback on an important community or regional project, how would you like us to inform you about what is happening? Response Count ...see pullout list below 206 answered question 206 skipped question 178

16. Other (Responses are aggregated to eliminate duplication)

E-mail or online (very high Emails through organizations Printed materials number of responses) I’m already connected “ “ “E-mail followup or web link Through multiple news media: Through community e-bulletins “where updates are posted blogs, online news, radio, etc. like this one from North County “ “ Online surveys through email Inc (NCI). Social media, Facebook, “Blogs Articles “Twitter, Nextdoor (high number Newsletter Flyer of responses) “Volunteer“ opportunities “Radio Ads/announcements“ Internet surveys like this one “Community newsletter (print or “Local Government Briefing are great “electronic) “ “Newsletter Telephone Text Alerts EWGCC newsletter, press Newsletter or a link on your “releases, etc. “Work through“ local “website. organizations, E-mail blast, Blog that is updated regularly “ Regular updates - online is fine Electronic Message Boards “Start as early as possible “Roadside/Street signs, flyers Public notices, “before a decision is required by “Radio or Television Q & A - your staff. “Newsletter by mail Virtual Meetings; Online Report “ City newsletter or website. “Radio or newspaper (online) Use the TV news...if you have “ “Direct mailing (newsletter, “a site setup to take comments, “postcard explaining issue) they will direct us there.

17: What are the best ways to present informational material to you? 17. Other (Check all that apply) Response Response Post at MetroLink stops Percent Count “Braille Maps, charts or other visual aids. 73% 225 “Facebook group to Post online video. 40% 123 “follow Post information online for review. 75% 233 Electronic (e-mail, files) Discussion with subject experts. 46% 142 “White paper Printed materials. 57% 176 “Update your outdated Display or posters at a library or community event. 25% 77 “website! Presentation at a conference or workshop. 51% 156 Translated materials in my preferred language. 1% 4 Other (please specify) 9 answered question 309 skipped question 75

24 | East-West Gateway Council of Governments 2014 18. Other 18: Which of the following methods would help you express your views on a specific issue? (Check all that apply) Anonymous comments Response Response “Let the people speak Percent Count “& listen to them, not Comment card/written survey 67% 205 yourselves & what you Opportunity to speak or address a panel/audience 34% 104 want. And not just those Electronic voting 62% 188 who you’ve convinced, but everyone who it Group discussion 53% 163 could involve. Focus group 53% 160 Online survey One-on-one conversation 45% 136 Translation available 1% 2 “Project website Meeting facilitated by a 3rd party 16% 49 “E-mail Availability of social media channels (i.e. blog, Facebook page, twitter 29% 87 “Group discussion helps page) “me generate better Virtual meetings 20% 60 questions Other (please specify) 8 Online survey. Feedback answered question 305 form on website post “ skipped question 79 event. Opportunity to ask “questions not in front of an audience Public Involvement Goals

19: Which of these public involvement goal statements resonate with you? (Check up to 5) Response Response Percent Count Find new and creative ways to reach people. 56% 166 19. Other Identify strategies for reaching immigrant communities. 16% 48 Ensure meaningful participation for all communities. 59% 175 Update website, it’s Create mechanisms that report how we incorporate public feedback. 29% 86 awful “ Provide information and education for the public about regional 62% 186 Address communication topics. “obstacles in non English Report on how public input is used. 38% 113 speaking residents. Solicit input early and throughout the decision-making process. 60% 170 Identify strategies for Expand the types of opportunities for involvement in regional 40% 120 “reaching the disability planning. communities Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of our public involvement 34% 102 Eliminate the program. “redundancy of multiple Share information and data with the public. 63% 188 organizations offering/ Partner with organizations to enhance our network. 42% 124 doing same thing, region wide. Other (please specify) 9 answered question 299 All information must be “factual and accurate, skipped question 85 don’t play politics!! All are good! “Use community input to “inform your decisions/ projects/funding

Community Connections | 25 20: What is your age? Response Response Percent Count Less than 18 0.0% 0 18 to 24 3% 8 25 to 34 20% 60 35 to 44 23% 70 45 to 54 22% 67 55 to 64 24% 72 65 to 74 8% 25 75 or older 1% 4 answered question 306 skipped question 78

Demographics

21: What is your gender? Response Response Percent Count Female 48% 146 Male 52% 158 Self-identification other than those listed above. 2 answered question 304 skipped question 80

22: What race/ethnicity would you consider yourself to be? Response Response Percent Count White (Caucasian) 87% 254 Black (African American) 11% 31 Hispanic 3% 8 22. Other Asian 1% 2 Indian Native American 0% 1 Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 0% 0 “ Other. Ethnic origin, nationality or any information not listed above 5 answered question 292 skipped question 92

23: What is your approximate average household income? Response Response Percent Count Less than $35,000 13% 39 More than $35,000 87% 254 answered question 293 skipped question 91

26 | East-West Gateway Council of Governments 2014 24: What is the highest level of education you have completed? Response Response Percent Count Did not attend high school. 0% 0 Attended high school. 2% 5 Graduated from high school/GED. 4.% 12 Attended university, community or vocational college. 11% 32 Graduated from university, community or vocational college. 29% 87 Attended graduate school. 10% 29 Completed graduate school. 47% 142 answered question 302 skipped question 82

25: Are you a person with a disability? Response Response Count Percent Yes 7% 22 No 93% 278 If yes, please specify 16 answered question 300 skipped question 84 25. Specify Disabilty 26: In what language do you prefer to receive information? Some paralysis Response “Leqally blind, mild Count “hearing loss and end English 255 orthopedic answered question 255 Poor vision skipped question 129 “Orthopedic “Spinal cord injury, 27: How often do you access the internet? paralysis “ Response Response Totally Blind Percent Count “Legally blind and hard of Every day. 96% 289 “hearing Once a week. 0% 0 Blind Several times a week. 4% 13 “I am deaf and blind. Once a month. 0% 0 Several times a month. 0% 0 “I have Muscular “dystrophy and other Rarely. 0% 0 health issues. I do not have access. 0% 0 Hard of hearing answered question 302 “I use a wheelchair skipped question 82 “Rheumatoid Arthritis, “Fibromyalgia 28: In what ZIP code is your home located? Unable to walk “ See survey response location map on page 16. “Visually impaired “Hearing deficit Community Connections | 27 29: Please name the community in which you live. Response Count Various 282 answered question 282 skipped question 102

30: Additional comments or suggestions Response Count ...see comments in pullouts that follow 42 answered question 42 skipped question 342

30. Additional Comments or Suggestions

My favorite way to get info is with my rss feed. With it I subscribe to tons of sites and if something “new is posted it shows up in my feed – I don’t have to remember to check a site. It is better than Facebook as i can get back to something in my feed easily. If you have a blog or site with rss syndication send me a link -I will subscribe.

Please advocate for robust public transportation to bring people together and wean us off the “blight of sprawling highways, Integrated communities, desegregation, Preservation of historic architectural legacy as a tool for revitalization of poor communities.

Reach out to the numerous higher education institutions to host regular regional seminars. It is “amazing how the region is divided and segmented. Highlight regional cooperation. The YMCA is finally creating a metro organization. The Catholic dioceses should look at collaboration. The tourism bureaus should also collaborate. There are many opportunities for regionalism. EWG would be better served with a name like St. Louis region. It should be St. Louis Place/ STL city/ STL County, Greater St. Charles, Southern STL etc. Keep the monikers to SAINTS with greater, southern, upper and Place as defining images.

As long as this group attempts to apply regional solutions to local issues it will continue to “struggle with defining a mission.

We need more clearly marked bike trail and paths, and we need to involved minority communities, “immigrants and people of color - Hispanics and blacks, youth too. . Why when considering improvement in St. Louis Metropolitan Area you all never consider going “North County (north above New Halls Ferry Road, I-270 to the Missouri River). I believe we need a thoroughfare that will take us down town St. Louis City or Rapid transit that will get there.

I am an elected official representing (and advocating for 39 municipalities in North County which “includes most of University City.

You need to re-brand EWG and reintroduce the organization to the community. Expand your “resources to more ground level groups, such as muni’s, school, senior groups, chambers of commerce, other populated groups, you need to better network.

28 | East-West Gateway Council of Governments 2014

30. Additional Comments or Suggestions Continued... “I question the general public’s knowledge of the existence/role/structure/purpose of EWGCoG I believe that the regional area should consolidate. Maybe drop the 92 St. Louis county cities. Do “maybe 20 or so

Remove political connections that serve NO purpose and understanding the responsibility of “the appointed position and focus on the MISSION and keep politics OUT. Political appointments should be willing to serve and accomplish the goals for the betterment of the community. The involvement of this agency really has NOT served my community well in my opinion. The lack of information is not distributed to me realizing that I really do not make a difference to this agency. Get back to basics and focus on the mission and purpose.

I think EW Gateway also needs to do a better job in soliciting input directly from municipal officials. “The St. Louis area has an abundance of intelligent and experienced municipal employees, and from my experience, EWG rarely engages them for input prior to their studies.

Public meetings should have press releases and the website could be updated. The council “does good work in my opinion and I am currently starting to study Urban Planning. Also, I work for the St. Louis County Board of Elections and have spent most of my life living in St. Louis, MO.

“I think it would be helpful to add what county you live in and separately what county you work in. Consider hiring a graphic artist to attend public input meetings and capture public comments “visually instead of simply with words. Once complete, share the finished work with the public as a way to communicate the meeting outcomes.

Biggest thing is to show respect for community members who show up - nothing should be a ““done deal” if you’re asking for input - best recent bad example was the South County Connector public process - many participants questioned why the preferred route (to solve a county problem) placed greater impacts on city residents than county residents! The only rationalization given by the COUNTY planning staff was that it would involve the least amount of land acquisition and that people in Shrewsbury objected to ANY route through their city!

Madison County Transit buses should run on major holidays persons work on those days getting “a cab costs too much.

Keep up the great work! The content on your site is great, but it is definitely time to update the “online presence. I would love to see more open/visible access to GIS data and other valuable information. “Thank you for the comprehensive questionnaire. I am involved due to job which is located in a zip code other than my home and in the St. Louis “County community.

Families with young children are chronically under-represented in planning sessions, as families “are temporarily “handicapped” by childcare and severe time restraints for many years. Thus, infrastructure often neglects to provide for their needs, (ie: wider sidewalks to accommodate double strollers, toddler toilets, drinking fountains at child level, adequate restroom facilities for women, stepping stools to wash hands, the list goes on.) Please set up an assessment tool to determine if the views of very young families are properly represented. As a nature teacher and preschool teacher, I am happy to provide this viewpoint at any time:. Thx for all you do! Saint Louis is awesome.

Community Connections | 29 30. Additional Comments or Suggestions Continued... “Well done. The organization comes off cheesy, disingenuous, old-school, and exclusive. If it can overcome “this image, it will attract more involvement from a broader spectrum of citizens. “Most people have no idea EWG even exists. I only know of EWG because of my job. EWGCG should stay out of project implementation. You can barely do planning, your “implementation particularly supervision of design contracts has been a disaster.

1. While I like that you are taking your time to get a sense of how to better reach the community, “this survey is not the way to do it. You are asking exploratory questions in a format that is quite restricting. I’m actually really interested to know how you are going to go about getting actual valuable data from this. You asked us to rank absolutely nothing out of those check boxes... There’s no way to analyze this which makes me think this is a PR generating survey. 2. You took my demographics, whatever, so you should know that the only thing I really care about is getting a new bridge over the Missouri River in Washington, MO. That’s some community feedback because a lot of people in Franklin and Warren Co are concerned about it.

Open houses for the public to comment on the TIP are pointless. Involve the public earlier on if “possible.

It is important that community is heard and the suggestions seriously considered. In the St. Louis “region, the old, exclusive, patriarchal approach of the privileged, “we’re the experts and know what to do and how to do it” has consistently retarded progress, alienated creativity and certain constituencies. This is a sink or swim moment for the region. We have to get it right, right away of we’ll be left behind while other more progressive regions thrive. I don’t believe the influencers are lifelong learners. Instead they live in their comfort zone, The same people, doing the same thing, all the time. There is a glimmer of hope and energy transplants and newly returning St. Louisans are bringing to the table. If only the closed, good ole boy network will respect them and work with them. What could they possibly be afraid of? They have all the resources and power. It’s a shame.

“Thanks for this survey. Thought you asked good questions. “Do a better job of involving wealth of talent among municipal officials and administrators. This survey took me 24 minutes. Getting rid of abandoned and deteriorating properties would “be a place to begin improving all or most neighborhoods. Absent or negligent owners have the option of selling their property or at least making it secure and nonhazardous to their neighbors. The proceeds of sales could finance the effort. Why does the City own these properties?

People have meeting/open house fatigue. If there’s going to be a meeting, we need to make “them as effective and meaningful, as possible. It would be nice for major agencies in region to so some coordinating around big regional projects. “Thank you and good luck! I have been to several EW Gateway meetings and they all seem to do a lot of asking questions, “but nothing ever gets changed.

I feel Jefferson County is treated as a stepchild of EWG and other groups and does not receive its “fair share of regional $$ for infrastructure or economic projects.

30 | East-West Gateway Council of Governments 2014 30. Additional Comments or Suggestions Continued... “The East West Gateway Blog is very interesting, and I wish that you would publish more often. “Plans fail without people. So glad you are doing this! We need real, meaningful participation that is more like collaboration “and empowerment of community members--not just informing or consulting residents as to what EWG has already decided to do.

I know EW Gateway tries to do community engagement, I just think it’s done so uncreatively. No “one wants to go to a community meeting. A community meeting with less than 100 people is not an effective meeting-even for topics that are more “boring” like roads. Meet people where they are at-do street teams, installation displays at MetroLink stops, etc. Partner with organizations that are really strong at community engagement like Beyond Housing to understand best practices in community engagement.

I think you should really try to push the tech/social boundaries of engagement throughout the “region and become a model for other local jurisdictions. The old school ways aren’t working any more. “Thanks for the opportunity. Please fix our roads and create a more pedestrian-friendly sidewalk on Brentwood Blvd. (trees, “buffer between pedestrian and cars and/or pedestrian underpass.

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